Friends of the Gulf Islands Society

10/17/2026

The biggest impact you can make on protecting the Gulf Islands for generations to enjoy is to elect trustees that prioritize the environment.

We asked each Trust candidate about their perspective on the ecological mandate of the Trust Policy Statement, how they define the Gulf Islands "unique amenities," and how they'd balance land use with environmental considerations.

Find out if their viewpoints align with yours:

The core of the Trust mandate is “to preserve and protect the Trust Area, its unique amenities, and its environment for the benefit of local residents and the province of British Columbia”. This statement holds great weight for me. I have lived here my entire life and there are still vast areas ...

10/02/2026

We asked each Islands Trust candidate running for election about their perspective on the ecological mandate of the Trust Policy Statement.

Before you cast your ballot on Advanced Voting Day (Oct. 7), learn more about your local's candidates viewpoints on protecting the unique ecosystem of the Gulf Islands: https://www.friendsofthegulfislands.ca/islands-trust-elections/ -responses

08/01/2026

The upcoming Islands Trust election on October 17th is an important moment to shape the future of the Trust islands. Join our webinar.

07/29/2026

The upcoming Islands Trust election on October 17th is an important moment to shape the future of the Trust islands. We need candidates committed to the Trust's legislated environmental mandate to preserve and protect the islands for future generations.

Friends of the Gulf Island is holding a webinar to provide information and answer your questions about what powers the Trust has and the important role of trustees.

📅 Date: Monday, August 17
🕰️ Time: 7:00PM
📍Location (Zoom): friendsofthegulfislands.ca/webinar

We hope you'll join us.

06/20/2026

The Islands Trust is seeking public input before July 16 to help set priorities for its next budget. Now is the time to speak up as a community.

Please tell trustees that:

✅ Your top priority is protecting the natural environment and rural character of the Trust Islands

✅ Development pressures are growing, but growth should be focused primarily on legally guaranteed affordable housing in appropriate locations.

✅ Strong environmental bylaws only work if they are enforced.

Complete the survey before July 16 and make your voice heard to help keep our islands healthy and beautiful for future generations. https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/s.aspx?co=StratPriority

03/07/2026

As the Islands Trust considers a new Policy Statement, a critical legal voice has emerged. Don Lidstone K.C., a top specialist in local government law and former counsel to the Islands Trust, has analyzed the draft, and his conclusions are alarming for anyone concerned with island preservation.

His analysis finds that the draft erroneously reinterprets the Trust's original mandate, potentially opening the door to development by:

1️⃣ Allowing "unchecked growth" by moving away from the Trust's original object.

2️⃣ Removing language on density limits tied specifically to ecosystem carrying capacity.

3️⃣ Moving carrying capacity decisions from "scientific" data to "subjective" political ones.

4️⃣ Failing to address climate change in any meaningful or measurable way.

5️⃣ Risking legal fallout as it may adversely affect Aboriginal claims or rights.

The Trust must remain focused on its primary goal: preserving the natural features of this region.

Please take the time to read the full legal analysis on the FOTGIS website.

https://www.friendsofthegulfislands.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-L.-Patrick-Re-Draft-TPS-SIGNED.pdf

01/25/2026

Joni Mitchell’s lyric, “they will pave paradise and put up a parking lot” was inspired by her visit to a skyscraper in Oahu amid the greenery and birds of the beautiful island.

We must protect the natural environment of the BC Gulf Islands before it becomes a parking lot.

Say NO to the draft Trust Policy Statement that does not define “environment” as the “natural environment”.

Email your concerns to Island Trustees ([email protected]). Learn more: https://www.friendsofthegulfislands.ca/strong-policies-protect-the-islands/

01/14/2026

📢 Is the public consultation process of the draft TPS adequate on your island? 📢

Friends of the Gulf Islands are concerned about what level of public consultation on the draft Trust Policy Statement (TPS) is taking place on the Trust islands.

On many islands we're hearing the only consultation was a brief time before a Local Trust Committee meeting, at which few questions could be asked and fewer were answered, despite full public consultation as recommended by the previous Minister of Municipal Affairs.

We invite you to share your experience: https://forms.gle/kFVt9mGMZnjUFmaG6

11/01/2025

This year the Minister of Housing & Municipal Affairs confirmed the Trust was set up to protect the natural environment of the Gulf Islands. This is a positive step to ensure the Islands Trust protects the Gulf Islands from over-development. Donations and memberships help continue this important work.
https://www.friendsofthegulfislands.ca/membership/

10/15/2025

The draft Trust Policy Statement (TPS) does not define environment as "natural" environment. A previous definition supported by the Trust Council was so broad it included man-made structures. Because of public objections, they removed any definition. Take action and write to [email protected] to express your concerns.